On June 21, 2006, the Commission adopted the 2006Interim Contribution Methodology Order, which includedproposed revised FCC Forms 499-A and 499-Q and theirinstructions. In pertinent part, the Order requiresthat interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol(interconnected VoIP) providers contribute to theuniversal service fund (USF) and raises the wirelesssafe harbor from 28.5 percent to 37.1 percent. Therevised Forms and their instructions reflect thechanges to the contribution methodology adopted in the2006 Interim Contribution Methodology Order.

On June 28, 2006, the Commission requested emergencyapproval of the information collection requirementsfrom the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). OnJuly 27, 2006, the Commission received OMB approval.

For the convenience of new filers, particularlyinterconnected VoIP providers, we provide theseinstructions and special accommodations to simplifythe process for the filing due August 1:

 For all filers, the FCC Form 499-Q filing must befiled with the Universal Service AdministrativeCompany (USAC) by August 1, 2006. For providers whohave not previously filed, FCC Form 499-A also must befiled with USAC by August 1, 2006. USAC has made theForms available on its website athttp://www.usac.org/fund-administration/forms/. Theyare also available on the Commissions website athttp://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html.  Interconnected VoIP providers that have notpreviously contributed to the USF can obtain a FCCRegistration Number (FRN) from the Commissions website athttps://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/coresWeb/publicHome.do foruse in filing both Forms. Normally, filers obtain a Filer 499 ID for use onthe Forms by filing their initial Form 499-A and thenreceiving the Filer 499 ID from USAC. Out ofconsideration of the deadlines for interconnected VoIPproviders to file both Forms by August 1, we havedirected USAC to accept the Forms without the Filer499 ID (for those providers who do not already have aFiler 499 ID). USAC will provide the Filer 499 ID tothe providers later and will fill in the Filer 499 IDon the Forms filed by August 1 on behalf of theseproviders. New filers that use this process shouldsubmit the two Forms together to USAC in a singlefiling. (Although new filers have the option ofsending FCC Form 499-A either to USAC or to the Officeof the Secretary, we encourage new filers to send FCCForm 499-A (along with FCC Form 499-Q) to USAC.).  We clarify that interconnected VoIP providers filingfor the first time need only complete limited portionsof the Forms for the August 1 filing, which includeonly two lines of revenue information in total:o On the FCC Form 499-A, interconnected VoIP providersneed only complete block 1 (contributor identificationinformation), block 2 (contact information, agent forservice of process, and registration), and block 6(certification). Interconnected VoIP providers neednot complete block 3 (carriers carrier revenueinformation), block 4 (revenue information), or block5 (additional revenue breakouts). o On the FCC Form 499-Q, interconnected VoIP providersthat have not previously contributed need onlycomplete block 1 (contributor identificationinformation), block 2 (contact information), block 4(certification), and lines 114, 119, and 120 of block3. They do not need to complete lines 113, 115, 116,117, or 118 of block 3.People with Disabilities: To request materials inaccessible formats for people with disabilities(braille, large print, electronic files, audioformat), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call theConsumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530(voice), 202-418-0432 (tty).

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

FCC 06-109Released: July 21, 2006PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED FOR ELIGIBLE SERVICES LISTFOR UNIVERSALSERVICE MECHANISM FOR SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIESCC Docket No. 02-6Comment Date: August 4, 2006Reply Comment Date: August 14, 2006On December 23, 2003, the Commission adopted a rulethat formalizes the process for updatingthe eligible services list for the schools andlibraries universal service support mechanism.1 Underthisrule, the Universal Service Administrative Company(USAC) is required to submit annually a drafteligible services list for the following funding year.The rule also requires that the Commission issue aPublic Notice seeking comment on USACs proposedeligible services list. Finally, at least 60 dayspriorto the opening of the window for the following fundingyear, the rule requires the Commission to issue apublic notice attaching the final eligible serviceslist for the upcoming funding year.We hereby seek comment on USACs attached proposedeligible services list. We emphasizethat USACs description of eligible services is beingproposed for the sole purpose of informing potentialschools and libraries program beneficiaries of thespecific products and services that may be eligible toreceive discounts under the Schools and LibrariesSupport Mechanism pursuant to section 254. We alsoemphasize to commenters that this proceeding islimited to determining what services are eligibleunderthe Commissions current rules; it is not intended tobe a vehicle for changing any eligibility rules.Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419 of theCommissions rules, 47 CFR §§ 1.415, 1.419,interested parties may file comments and replycomments on or before the dates indicated above.Comments may be filed using: (1) the CommissionsElectronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) theFederal Governments eRulemaking Portal, or (3) byfiling paper copies. See Electronic Filing ofDocuments in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121 (1998).

Friday, July 21, 2006

PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED FOR COMMENTS ONQWEST AND AT&T PETITIONS FOR FORBEARANCE UNDER 47 U.S.C. § 160(c) FROM TITLE II AND COMPUTER INQUIRY RULES WITH RESPECT TO BROADBAND SERVICES

WC Docket No. 06-125

Comments Due: August 3, 2006Reply Comments Due: August 18, 2006

On June 13, 2006, and July 13, 2006, respectively,Qwest Corporation and Qwest Communications Corporation(jointly, Qwest), and AT&T Inc. (AT&T) filed petitionsfor forbearance pursuant to section 10(c) of theCommunications Act of 1934, as amended (the Act), 47U.S.C. § 160(c). In its petition, Qwest asks theCommission to forbear from applying Title II and theComputer Inquiry rules to any broadband services Qwestdoes or may offer to the extent those services are notoffered as part of an Internet access service. AT&T,in its petition, asks the Commission to forbear fromapplying Title II and the Computer Inquiry rules tonon-time division multiplex (non-TDM) based broadbandtransmission services offered by AT&T and other BellOperating Companies. This Public Notice establishes certain proceduralrequirements relating to consideration of the Qwestand AT&T petitions for forbearance. This matter shallbe treated as a permit-but-disclose proceeding inaccordance with the Commissions ex parte rules. See47 C.F.R. §§ 1.1200, 1.1206. Persons making oral exparte presentations are reminded that memorandasummarizing the presentations must contain summariesof the substance of the presentations and not merely alisting of the subjects discussed. More than a one ortwo sentence description of the views and argumentspresented generally is required. See 47 C.F.R. §1.1206(b). Other rules pertaining to oral and writtenex parte presentations in permit-but-discloseproceedings are set forth in Section 1.1206(b) of theCommissions rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.1206(b).Pursuant to Section 1.415 and 1.419 of theCommissions rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 1.415, 1.419,interested parties may file comments on the Qwest andAT&T petitions for forbearance on or before August 3,2006 and reply comments on or before August 18, 2006. All filings must be addressed to the CommissionsSecretary, Marlene H. Dortch, Office of the Secretary,Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street,SW, Suite TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. Two (2)courtesy copies must be delivered to Janice M. Myles,Federal Communications Commission, WirelineCompetition Bureau, Competition Policy Division, 44512th Street, SW, Suite 5-C327, Washington, DC 20554,or via e-mail janice.myles@fcc.gov; and one (1) copymust be sent to Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 445 12thStreet, Suite CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone202-488-5300, facsimile 202-488-5563, or via e-mailFCC@BCPIWEB.COM.Comments may be filed using: (1) the CommissionsElectronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), (2) theFederal Governments eRulemaking Portal, or (3) byfiling paper copies. See Electronic Filing ofDocuments in Rulemaking Proceedings, 63 FR 24121(1998).&#61607; Electronic Filers: Comments may be filedelectronically using the Internet by accessing theECFS: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ or the FederaleRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Filers should follow the instructions provided on thewebsite for submitting comments.

&#61607; For ECFS filers, if multiple docket orrulemaking numbers appear in the caption of thisproceeding, filers must transmit one electronic copyof the comments for each docket or rulemaking numberreferenced in the caption. In completing thetransmittal screen, filers should include their fullname, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and theapplicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties mayalso submit an electronic comment by Internet e-mail.To get filing instructions, filers should send ane-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and include the followingwords in the body of the message, get form. Asample form and directions will be sent in response.

&#61607; Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file bypaper must file an original and four copies of eachfiling. If more than one docket or rulemaking numberappears in the caption of this proceeding, filers mustsubmit two additional copies for each additionaldocket or rulemaking number.

Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, bycommercial overnight courier, or by first-class orovernight U.S. Postal Service mail (although wecontinue to experience delays in receiving U.S. PostalService mail). All filings must be addressed to theCommissions Secretary, Office of the Secretary,Federal Communications Commission.

&#61607; The Commissions contractor will receivehand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filingsfor the Commissions Secretary at 236 MassachusettsAvenue, NE., Suite 110, Washington, DC 20002. Thefiling hours at this location are 8:00 a.m. to 7:00p.m. All hand deliveries must be held together withrubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes must bedisposed of before entering the building.

People with Disabilities: To request materials inaccessible formats for people with disabilities(braille, large print, electronic files, audioformat), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call theConsumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530(voice), 202-418-0432 (tty).